Want to see a wolf moon rising over Central Kentucky soon? When to catch a glimpse
The first full moon of 2024 will rise Thursday, and it’s known as the Wolf Moon, as well as the Ice Moon, the Moon after Yule, the Old Moon and more.
January’s full moon is called the “wolf” moon because wolves are typically active in mid-winter. Moon names often come from Indigenous and European tradition. The Farmers’ Almanac says the wolf moon’s name is thought to have English origins.
Here’s when you can catch a glimpse of the wolf moon, as well as supermoons and other full moons in Central Kentucky this year.
When can you see the wolf moon in Lexington?
The 2024 wolf moon will become full at 12:54 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Jan. 25, according to NASA, and will appear full for about three days.
Although the wolf moon will be full just after noon Thursday, Forbes recommends looking a few minutes after sunset to get a better view without sun obstruction.
The sun will set at 5:52 p.m. in Lexington Thursday, according to online global clock Time and Date, and the evening is expected to be rainy with a low temperature around 48 degrees Fahrenheit, the National Weather Service forecasts. A thunderstorm is possible before 10 p.m.
The Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club holds stargazing events from March to October at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. While 2024 event dates haven’t been posted yet, you can check NASA’s Night Sky Network to find astronomy-related gatherings near you.
More full moons in 2024
If you miss Thursday’s wolf moon, you will have 11 more chances to catch a full moon this year, including a few full supermoons.
Here’s this year’s full moon calendar, with information from Space.com:
Jan. 25: Wolf moon
Feb. 24: Snow moon
March 25: Worm moon
April 23: Pink moon
May 23: Flower moon
June 21: Strawberry moon
July 21: Buck moon
Aug. 19: Sturgeon moon (supermoon and blue moon)
Sept. 17: Harvest moon (supermoon and partial lunar eclipse)
Oct. 17: Hunter’s moon (supermoon)
Nov. 15: Beaver moon (supermoon)
Dec. 15: Cold moon
Full moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures. The Farmers’ Almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.
A total solar eclipse will occur April 8 this year, and Lexington residents will be able to see a partial eclipse around 1:50 p.m. that day.
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